Teacher Strike In Medford, Possibly Portland

Update Feb. 6: Medford teachers are on strike and Portland teachers voted to authorize a strike, which could begin as soon as Feb. 20.

Teachers and school administrators in Medford and Portland have been locked in contract negotiations for months.

The Portland Association of Teachers is scheduled to vote Wednesday night on whether or not to authorize a strike. If they vote for authorization, union leaders will need to give the district 10 days notice before going on strike. Portland teachers have never actually gone on strike, but the district is making contingency plans in case that streak is broken this time.

In Medford, a teacher strike could begin as early as Thursday and students and parents are taking sides. There is some hope in both districts that a strike can still be avoided.

Do your kids go to school in Portland or Medford? Do you work in either of these school districts? How would a strike affect you?